Abstract

 

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of sex steroid deficiency on the rat tongue mucosa as well as the effect of its replacement.

Methods:  We chose 21 sexually virgin female Wistar albino rats in this study. We divided the model rats into 3 groups: Group-1:Control, Group-2: Sham-operated (bilaterally ovariectomized), and Group-3: Sham-operated, in addition we gave estrogen to Group-3. The tongue mucosa of ovariectomized rats was compared to that of control rats histologically. The same evaluation was also performed after hormone replacement therapy for the ovariectomized rats (Group-2,3).

Results: We found that, the ovariectomized animals presented reduced thickness of the tongue epithelium with an irregular keratinized surface. The tongue epithelium thickness was increased after hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that in the rat, ovarian estrogens play an important role, and its deficiency possibly leads to the onset of tongue discomfort in ovariectomized rats.

Key Words: Ovariectomy, Estrogen, Tongue epithelium, Rat